Two Vilano Beach doctors have donated this building to JASMYN, the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network. The building is located adjacent to JASMYN's current offices in Riverside.

Two Vilano Beach doctors have donated a building to JASMYN, the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network.

Paul Schilling and James Dutton purchased and donated the building next door to the current JASMYN House on Peninsular Place to meet the nonprofit’s critical need for additional space. The gift includes a portion of the costs associated with the building’s repair and renovation, which is to be complete by late October, according to a news release from JASYMN.

“After 12 years in our current location, the number of youth we serve has grown exponentially and we have literally outgrown the building," said executive director Cindy Watson. “ We have immediate needs for more program areas and desperately need additional space to accommodate our increased counseling staff and growing HIV Clinic. The additional building will allow us to dedicate space for these and other services.”

The organization, which serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, is celebrating its 20th year.

Board chair Bruce Musser said the additional building is the first major step in a planning and expansion process begun more than a year ago.

“Paul and Jay really understand our immediate need and ultimate goals. They hope to support us with an eventual capital campaign that will provide the space we need to truly expand for the future ... space that will provide for our youth programs and services as well as gathering space for use by the community for other programs and events," he said. "We are so grateful for their belief in us and for sharing our vision.”

In a joint statement, Schilling and Dutton said “JASMYN is a warm and caring organization providing advocacy services to the at-risk and vulnerable LGBT youth of Jacksonville.”

“Their commitment to support and empower LGBT youth is remarkable. This donation represents a celebration of their 20th anniversary and we see it as a strategic step in JASMYN’s future growth," they said in the statement. "We’re so pleased that this building provides the segue they need to move them closer to launching a capital campaign.”

JASMYN is currently identifying how the space in each building will be used to optimize staffing, programs and services.

The organization will hold a special 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 8 at Unity Plaza in Riverside. The event will feature the stories of many of the youth who have, with the nonprofit's help, "gone on to lead proud, productive and successful lives," according to the release.